LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund has experienced an overwhelming response, receiving a record-breaking number of applications since its inception. More than 470 funding bids have been submitted by charities and community organizations within a 15-mile radius of the LNER route, stretching from the Scottish Highlands to London King’s Cross. This surge in applications, received within just a couple of months since the window opened in July, demonstrates the widespread desire for community-focused initiatives.
The fund prioritizes projects that align with LNER’s core values of being ‘Better for People, Better for Places, Better for Planet’. This has led to a particularly strong response in the ‘Better for People’ category, with over 400 applications received.
LNER’s commitment to community betterment is evident in the impact of past projects. Over the past year, more than 16,000 individuals have directly benefited from 23 diverse projects supported by the fund. These initiatives have championed inclusivity, improved mental health, boosted skills, and fostered community engagement. Examples include workshops for young adults with learning difficulties, programs to support older adults’ active lifestyles, and projects to safeguard delicate ecosystems and boost salmon populations in Scottish rivers.
Rachael Wilson, LNER’s Community Investment Manager, expressed her enthusiasm about the unprecedented response. She stated, “We’re thrilled that nearly 500 charities and groups have taken the time to make an application to our Customer and Community Investment Fund. The projects we support have such a profound and positive impact on the lives of so many people. We are really looking forward to learning more about this year’s applicants and supporting more amazing causes in 2025.”
The record number of applications received by LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund reflects a growing commitment to community development and sustainability across the regions served by the railway. LNER’s dedication to supporting these initiatives underscores its role as a responsible and socially conscious organization.
